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Rally bringing the darkness of addiction to light

They are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. Those who take it one day at a time with recovery and have shown it is possible, spoke at the steps of the Capitol Building in Lansing, Thursday.

Those who have lost someone to the disease of addiction came to listen and speak, and to show their support of those facing addiction.

“We have gathered the local groups and have this be a vocal point for them,” said Brett VanDrie, with the Capital Area Project Voices of Recovery (VOX). “There are a lot of people dying on the streets here in Lansing. We are trying to put a light on the disease (of addiction).”

VOX was formed three years ago, and VanDrie said that they gathered on the steps to not only provide a ground for people to share their stories, but to share them with others and those inside the Capitol Building.

Speakers during the event included Ingham County Judge Clinton Canady, Former Speaker of the House Craig DeRoche and Phil Pavona with Families Against Narcotics.

“Each of us have a story and we want everyone who has a story to share that with another person,” said VanDrie. “One of our slogans is ‘Anonymous No More.’ We Can be out here talking about it openly. We want to remove the stigma.”

VOX and other area organizations want to ensure that families and those facing addiction know where to turn to receive help.